What Is Domiciliary Care? A Plain English Guide

Domiciliary care is professional care delivered in your own home, through regular visits, instead of moving into a care home. You may also hear it called home care. The carer comes to you, helps with what you need, and leaves you living in your own home, in your own routine.

What a visit can include

What happens on each visit is agreed in your care plan. It can include:

• ✓Personal care such as washing, dressing and grooming
• ✓Medication prompting and administration
• ✓Meal preparation and nutrition support
• ✓Light household tasks and laundry
• ✓Shopping and errands
• ✓Mobility assistance and fall prevention
• ✓Companionship and social engagement
• ✓Support with GP and hospital appointments

How long is a visit?

Visits with us can be as short as 30 minutes, and can build up to full live-in care if your needs change. You and your family choose what suits you, and the plan is reviewed as things change.

How it differs from live-in care and a care home

With domiciliary care, carers visit at set times. With live-in care, a carer lives in your home and supports you day and night. With night-sit care, a carer stays with you through the night. A care home means moving out of your own home altogether. Our page on home care versus a care home sets out the differences.

Who it suits

Domiciliary care suits older adults, people with long-term health conditions, and anyone recovering from illness or surgery who needs regular support at home but wants to keep their independence.

How to arrange it

Start with a free assessment. Someone from our office visits you at home, talks through what support is needed, and puts together a care plan before anyone starts visiting. There is no obligation, and the cost is quoted from your plan. You can read more about our domiciliary care in Bolton and Chorley.

Frequently Asked Questions